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Tools for malicious communication on the Internet have expanded. Traditional choices such as emails and chat rooms have been joined by instant messaging and text messaging on computers and cell phones. This means that unwelcome communication can reach individuals anywhere if their cell phones or laptop computers are with them. When starting a conversation online, you must realize that it's opening up a window into your personal life, which can be dangerous.
According to a survey at Clickz, (see resources), more than twenty five million children in the United States are online. This group represents the age groups of age two through age seventeen. Seventy percent of teenagers access the Internet on a daily basis. Many children spend their times talking with their friends and sometimes even strangers in chat rooms. Parents need to be aware of the dangers that chat rooms present, so that they can protect their young loved ones.
Chat rooms were considered the first-generation social communication and networking platforms of earlier computing eras. Despite the recent advent of Web 2.0 social media and sites, chat rooms are still popular. Millions of Americans (young and old) enter online chat rooms and hang around, socialize casually, discuss issues, catch up with online friends and acquaintances. However, many threats and dangers primarily related to chat rooms have come to the fore for users.
